By Our Reporter
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The judge announced his recusal on Thursday, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice. He said the case files would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
The cases involve a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit covering 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, as well as N8.7 billion money laundering charges against him, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.
The development occurred shortly after the civil forfeiture case was called for mention. Counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court that Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had written to seek an adjournment until February 16, citing his engagement at the Court of Appeal.
Although Daudu was absent, other lawyers representing parties with interests in some of the temporarily forfeited properties were present in court.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation period before being reassigned to Justice Egwuatu after the Christmas break.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has denied that its investigation of Malami is politically motivated. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the probe began before he assumed office and has been conducted professionally and thoroughly.
He maintained that the agency’s actions are not targeted at opposition figures but are part of its mandate to fight corruption without bias, adding that charges were filed only after investigators were satisfied they had a strong case.